I was considering the x-e1 as a carry-around cam but x20 attracts my attention a bit more now for that purpose.

The 6x6 pattern and absence of an AA filter should be the differences on the X-Trans. I recall reading the aps-c sensor in x-pro 1 and x-e1 was a derivate of the one found in D7000 and K5 (sorry, cannot recall the source). It seems to have good DR and high ISO performance, also seem to generate relatively little chroma noise.

If I am not wrong, comparisons to other sensors have been a bit problematic so far as raw files from x-trans sensors were either converted in cam or came from silkypix. Capture One should be supporting the raw shortly so it will be interesting to see more controlled comparisons...

Cheers!

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EvilTed

Fuji doesn't use Sony sensors?The Xtrans sensor was developed in house when Fuji engineers with years of film experience started experimenting with different arrays than Beyer, trying to mimic the grain structure of film.

Dubbed X-Trans II, the new sensor offers 25% higher resolution than in the X100, a better signal to noise ratio (30% lower noise, or about a one-stop ISO advantage) and on-chip phase detection elements for faster focusing.

HS: We were actually very confident about both the lens and the sensor from the beginning, particularly because our lens technology has more than a 50% share for professional broadcasting lenses. Also, our sensor technology has a long history of development and improvements, so we had a lot of confidence in that area too. So we felt that our division could bring together many things to optimize our picture quality and color.

There is some evidence that Fuji gets their sensor fabricated by Sony Semiconductor because, as you point out, Fuji sold off their CCD manufacturing plant.

Here is a post from someone else on this same topic:

Not really significant. Sony's Semiconductor division is all but an independent company within a huge conglomerate. They fab parts for everyone. Sony Camera is just another customer. It would be like saying that and Apple product is actually an IBM, since a critical custom part designed at Apple was fabbed by IBM—one of the biggest parts foundries in the world—and there are not very many. The last new foundry I read about was costing in the billions to build and bring on-line.

EvilTed

Yes but there are a few issues I have with the RX-1 as a street shooter:

1. It is expensive. $2800 + $450 for the EVF.The OVF is what you need for street work, at least in my experience.I have a Fuji X-Pro1 and an XE-1. The XE-1 EVF lags a bit too much for my liking.I'm sure the RX-1 is no better in this regard.I've read the A99 has the same issues.

2. The OVF is $650 and it just an glass element. There is no camera data shown (unlike the Fuji's).

3. There are reports that it's AF is not that fast (again a problem that plagues the existing Fuji's too, but this can make street work harder).

The X100s "should" be a lot faster.The X-Trans 1 sensor is already pretty damn good (as good as M9 most people agree), so if they have improved IQ 25%, then I think it's going to be up there with the best.

I've never shot a Leica M9 but I like the images produced by my Fuji's much better than anything I can get out of my 5D MK3.

Arghh!All this juicy sounding Fuji talk is making me want to buy one to see what it can do!Not that I wouldn't anyway.. Was just a matter of when. but by the enthusiasm you guys have for it I might boost it up my priority ladder. I already know the IQ can be very impressive from them but the overall handling sounds to be pretty good and I'd like that.Gheez. And I'm still waiting for the silly Pentax K-01 I ordered for dirt cheap.Guess I'll wait and see what the new X20 performs like. I'm not keen on spending midrange SLR prices for the bigger X bodies as I don't mind carrying a small SLR around most times as it is.If that little X20 really performs for IQ and overall handling in its slightly smaller package that could be something I'd enjoy. I already like the IQ from my G11 and G12 but the ergonomics and overall handling are really quite poor IMO.

Arghh. And there's that Olympus OMD EM-5 too!another very good overall package, altho a bit more than I'd care to spend right now as I'd want the grip and extra battery layer too.

EvilTed

Even better, an XE-2 or X-Pro2 with all the new hardware announced for the X100s + my current favorite, Contax G Carl Zeiss lenses on a Metabones adapter The 35mm F/2 is sharp as a tack and has a wonderful tone...